October is National Eczema Awareness Month. More than 31 million people in the U.S. have some form of the chronic skin disease, also known as atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms include itchy, red patches of dry skin, which can appear anywhere on the body. Sudden weather changes or exposure to common household items can be irritants to trigger a flare-up.

Dr. Christopher Obeime, a board-certified dermatologist in Indianapolis and a fellow at the American Academy of Dermatology, advises parents what to do if their child regularly scratches a patch of swollen skin.

“You go to a pediatrician and that’s where you start,” Obeime recommended. “Most people have a pediatrician already in place. First line of treatment is going to be using a good emollient, using a good moisturizer.”

According to the National Eczema Association, the condition is believed to be hereditary. Babies can experience a flare-up within weeks of birth. Obeime pointed out eczema is bothersome for school-age kids because it can interfere with their sleep, which affects school performance. Research indicates children with atopic dermatitis miss at least 15 school days a year.

The cost of treating eczema is steep. From antibiotic creams to corticosteroid pills, prescription medications can be expensive, and are not always covered by insurance. Eczema can also have a psychological impact, as a discolored rash can appear for days or weeks on the face or hands. Although there’s no cure, Obeime said new medications are frequently discovered to help manage the disease.

“We have a new drug out, topical JAK inhibitor, oral medicines that work wonderfully for eczema,” Obeime emphasized.

JAK inhibitor drugs curb inflammation and have only been approved for use on eczema since last year. The National Eczema Association estimates the annual economic burden of this skin condition at more than $5 billion, including medical costs and lack of worker productivity. Adults with eczema take, on average, 11 days off per year to treat it.